Glasgow have reported an unnamed Munster player for a "dangerous act of foul play" on Matuwalu. I noticed Conor Murray sending his elbow towards Matuwalus face but didnt see enough of a replay to make a judgement. If Murray guilty then good news for marmion. (Matuwalu also reported for a biting incident. Would be great for us for next weekend if he's guilty.)

Apparently its Donnacha O'Callaghan they asked to be cited not Murray.

Glasgow have reported an unnamed Munster player for a "dangerous act of foul play" on Matuwalu. I noticed Conor Murray sending his elbow towards Matuwalus face but didnt see enough of a replay to make a judgement. If Murray guilty then good news for marmion. (Matuwalu also reported for a biting incident. Would be great for us for next weekend if he's guilty.)

Again Marmion has a real difficulty behind the scrums... In 1st half, all were stable, Naoupu wait for Marmion to launch the backs, but nothing... 1st time I heard a referee saying "mind the ball 9, please".

I have to agree as far as i'm concerned Marmion is the second best 9 in the country and is different enough to be a plan B.

Have to say how impressive Marmion is holding up another opposition forward over the try line again last night and then getting a face full of elbow for his thanks. Is that the third time he's done that this season now?

Watching the highlights again there it's almost funny to see the look of surprise in Kieran's face as he appeals for every crooked feed Reddan put in last night to the ref.

Ok I'm biased but you have to say he has made Schmidt's selection of Reddan and Boss look unimaginative at best.

ummm, wrote: I wouldn't be surprised if Marmion is brought up to Carton house like TOH was two years ago to give him some feel for the setup. Not an official squad member, but still involved in the training.

There's always extras brought up. He'll probably be one of them

I wouldn't be surprised if Marmion is brought up to Carton house like TOH was two years ago to give him some feel for the setup. Not an official squad member, but still involved in the training.

I think boss has been in good form and Reddan has done enough in the past to deserve the call up, but I think it would behoove Schmidt/Ireland to maintain a good relationship with Marmion and keep Welsh hands off him. Now maybe that's all sorted behind closed doors but it would be a better signal if Marmion was in the Ireland camp imo. Not calling for a cap to ensure he can't be poached but just a sign that Marmion is in Schmidt's plans for the future.

phatguerilla wrote: Imo its becoming a serious issue, I can't understand why Schmidt wouldn't at least bring Marms into the november squad as a nz-style 'apprentice'. At this rate and with Philips potentially falling off a cliff rugby/form wise Wales could be in need of a scrum half and we could get screwed out of one of the best young players going in what is or will soon be a problem position for Ireland.

I think It's just a timing question : Schmidt wants to give a last run to the Boss/Reddan generation, and in the same time evaluate the real potential of the newcomers during the season.. Summer Tour 2014 will be different, he will have a better idea of who diserves 2015 RWC preparation

Between (after Murray) :
Marmion
Sheridan
McGrath
Heaney
Marshall

There's enough (if not too much) talent

phatguerilla wrote: Imo its becoming a serious issue, I can't understand why Schmidt wouldn't at least bring Marms into the november squad as a nz-style 'apprentice'. At this rate and with Philips potentially falling off a cliff rugby/form wise Wales could be in need of a scrum half and we could get screwed out of one of the best young players going in what is or will soon be a problem position for Ireland.

i think he's committed to playing for Ireland. Obviously if in 3 or 4 years he's still not been selected then he might jump ship

Imo its becoming a serious issue, I can't understand why Schmidt wouldn't at least bring Marms into the november squad as a nz-style 'apprentice'. At this rate and with Philips potentially falling off a cliff rugby/form wise Wales could be in need of a scrum half and we could get screwed out of one of the best young players going in what is or will soon be a problem position for Ireland.

i wonder when will wales come calling

Marmion claims Player of the Month Award
25th October 2013

Kieran Marmion has claimed the first of the 2013/14 Player of the Month Awards, in association with Hartmanns Jewellers and Tag Heuer watches.

The young scrum half was identified by Team Management as the stand out player for September having displayed exceptional ability on the field and exemplary attitude off the field.

Marmion kept his ‘super starter’ record alive by being named in the number 9 jersey for all four games in September – against Zebre, Cardiff Blues, Ulster and Ospreys. Last season, he was the sole Connacht squad member and only player in the league to start every game of the 2012/13 season which is testament to his ability and form. Having graduated early from the Connacht Academy at just 20 years old, Marmion went on to be named in the Ireland Squad for the Summer Tour of North America.

Commenting on September Player of the Month, Connacht Head Coach Pat Lam said:

“Kieran started off this season where he left off last year. This was my first time working with him and I have been so impressed with his attitude, his work ethic and his incredible maturity.

“He started all four games in September and has been consistent in every one of these games. It’s not surprising that his name keeps coming up in discussions around the Ireland squad.”

Richard Hartmann, Director of Hartmann Jewellers added:

“We’re delighted to present Kieran with the Player of the Month Award. Kieran has been so exciting to watch since he made the step up to this level this time last year. And it’s great to see him continue to progress every game. He’s a huge prospect for Connacht and Irish rugby.

“Hartmanns of Galway are very excited about the continued partnership for the 2013/14 season; it provides us with a unique and innovative way to interact with Connacht Rugby and align both brands. “

After reading that, you should probably look at "you are my sunshine" for a chant, with the obvious replacement of the word sunshine with Marmiom of course.

Or robbing a football chant:
"He passes to the left, he passes to the right... Kieran Marmion... makes _______ look sh*te" - insert other team name, opposition scrum half, or unrelated popular scrum half e.g. Stringer - probably not suited to rugby though

In all seriousness, he doesn't get the same recognition as Henshaw, but he has been phenomenal for us and will be on the Irish team yet.

An absolute gentleman to boot, came down to the Clan Bar after the game to collect his award and hung around for ages chatting, even though all the players and staff were partying up in the Green Room. Also gave a message to JOC from us to come down and collect his HoF award! Incredibly genuine guy.

Not sure when or if there's a proper time or place for a thread like this but I think its worth saying; its not often that you come across a young player who is capable of playing every single game of the season, never mind their first season. Then to ask them to do it in one of the busiest positions on the pitch, and to see them do it with style and enthusiasm is doubly impressive. Both he and Henshaw rightly shared the young player of the year accolades but although we're all excited by Henshaw's potential Connacht would have been completely hamstrung without Marmion's contribution last year. Hopefully for the sake of the team Marmion won't be asked to play all 28 games again but I've no doubt he is capable of making a huge and valuable contribution to this season.

No real points to debate here, maybe we need to work on a Marmion chant for the new season